It may be the most wonderfully delicious time of the year – that’s how the song goes, right? – but it’s also becoming the coldest and darkest time of the year too.

That’s why I’m grateful for seasonal citrus. Despite common beliefs, winter is the time for citrus. From tangy Satsumas to tart limes to juicy Tangelos, peak of the season citrus adds flavor bursts to salads, cocktails, baked goods, sauces, vinaigrettes and more. You could say it not only brightens your dishes but your days. Thank you, Mother Nature!

CITRUS SHOWDOWN

This season we’ve got a battle of epic flavor featuring two of our favorite citrus superstars – Satsuma v Clementine – and we need your help to pick the season’s champion.

In this corner: Clementine “Main Squeeze”

Clementines are the most well-known mandarin, and for good reason. They are seedless, easy to peel and perfect for both kids and adults.

Flavor: Simple and delightfully sweet with a less acidic finish

Character: Flatter shape, tight leathery rind

Origins: California, Spain and Morocco

Uses: These are perfect for eating out of hand. The mild sweetness pairs well with other simple flavors. Use juice instead of water in baking for extra citrus flavor. Add chopped sections or zest to salads, cookies and granola. They are great for giving as gifts too!

In this corner: Satsuma “The Puma”
Think of Satsuma as clementine’s lively cousin; they’re seedless and easy to peel but bolder in flavor. Gaining quickly in popularity, their peak season is just six to eight weeks, so get ‘em while you can…then enjoy soon after purchase because they’re best when eaten right away!

Flavor: Intense, tangy and sweet with a bright and lively finish

Character: Thinner, loose rind, distinct “top knot”

Origins: California and Florida

Uses: The bold taste is perfect for adding extra zip to recipes. The peel is delicate and packed with flavor — to zest, peel with a vegetable peeler first, then chop finely. Add sections, juice or zest to desserts, mixed drinks and salads. They’re delicious eaten out of hand too.

Take some home and do a taste test with friends and family. Enjoy them straight out of the peel try them in these recipes that put citrus in the limelight.

MAKE THE MOST OF SEASONAL CITRUS

Besides cooking with citrus, here are a few more of my favorite ways to use every last bit of these winter gems.

Zest it. Add zing to baked goods, stir-fries or stews.

Juice it. What could be better than a fresh glass of juice in the morning?

Dry it. Bake peels on the lowest possible heat until dry but still pliable. Use to flavor black tea, roasted chicken or braised meats.

Freeze it. Freeze citrus juice or zest until you’re ready to use it.

Candy it. Garnish desserts and cocktails with candied peels or enjoy them as a sweet snack.

Don’t limit citrus to the kitchen either. Citrus can successfully be incorporated into your holidays in many ways - think table arrangements, homemade ornaments, and gifts like a basket of whole citrus or jar of citrus salt.

Do you clamor for clementines or are you sweet on Satsumas? Tell us which one is your citrus champion and why in the comments below. Enter your comment by Wednesday, December 12 and we’ll pick ten winners at random to receive a case of their citrus champion of choice – clementines or Satsumas

The fine print: No purchase necessary. Promotion ends December 12, 2012, 11:59 PM CDT. Must be a legal resident of the US or Canada (except in Quebec, where it is void) age 18 or older to participate. Taxes on prize, if applicable, are the responsibility of the winner. Employees of Whole Foods Market, Inc., are not eligible. Void where prohibited.

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Comments

Rebecca says …

Love Satsumas!! So much easier to peel, and so juicy!

Fri, 2012-11-30 13:45

Heather says …

I haven't tried a satsuma but we love clementines. I am a citrus fruit fan, even kumquats. And by the description I would love to try the satsumas!

Fri, 2012-11-30 13:51

Kendra says …

Satsumas! I have some now. :)

Fri, 2012-11-30 13:55

Britania Childress says …

I just discovered Satsumas last year, and LOVED them! I bought boxes of them in the cold Minnesota winter and shared them with friends, told everyone I knew about them, offered them at get togethers..They are the perfect treat for my 4 year old daughter, and me! Sweet, juicy, soft rind for her nimble fingers. She grabs them all throughout the day, and I snack on them when I get late night cravings. They don't seem as chewy, either. I adore the Satsuma!

Fri, 2012-11-30 14:25

Steven Ralser says …

Satsuma - for that extra flavour.

Fri, 2012-11-30 14:25

Eileen Hamilton says …

Love the clementines every day in my lunch bag. So delicious and simple.

Fri, 2012-11-30 14:26

Lora Lee says …

Ron in Produce at the San Ramon, CA store got me started on Satsumas about a month ago when I was searching for fruit to pack in lunch! I buy them for my daughter, for my parents, and for me! They're easy to peel, have no seeds, and taste fanstastic. Big thanks to Ron for bringing Satsumas into my life!

Fri, 2012-11-30 14:36

Kimberly Johnson says …

I adore satsuma and feel that no holiday season is complete without gobbling down several of these delicious fruits. They are extremely popular in my hometown of New Orleans. I stalk them at Whole Foods and eat my fill of these sweet healthy yummies every year.

Fri, 2012-11-30 14:37

Carolyn says …

Clementines are the best because they are so good, cute and portable!

Fri, 2012-11-30 14:49

Jan Robinson says …

Satsumas are our favorite. We look forward to these treats every December!

Fri, 2012-11-30 14:55

Christine Oglesby says …

Satsumas!

Fri, 2012-11-30 15:18

Debbie says …

Satsuma - love these for my Cranberry Satsuma walnut breading Chicken Cutlets - made in a skillet on top of the stove quick and easy - Fantastic Flavors and Juicy Chicken

Fri, 2012-11-30 16:01

Leah B says …

I'm sweet on Satsumas! They're just so versatile for baking and cooking.

Fri, 2012-11-30 16:11

Aleksandra Sivolob says …

I would choose the Clementine! I loveee bacon and egg club salad with these in them. They lighten it right up! Also its easy to eat on its own! Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to try Satsumas, so I'm sure that is good as well!

Fri, 2012-11-30 16:46

Alethea Smartt LaRowe says …

I love Satsumas! The perfect snack & great for cooking, too!

Fri, 2012-11-30 16:56

Leo Eiden says …

In the words of Cowboy Elvis... Oh my darlin', oh my little darlin' Clementine! They are so tasty without dripping down your arm. So compact and easy to eat, that once I have them in hand they 'are gone and lost forever, oh my darlin' Clementine!'

Fri, 2012-11-30 17:03

Judy Biggart says …

I prefer clementines...they remind me of fun times with my grandaughter. We have juicy smiles and sticky hands and as we grin at each other. Would love to win and share them with her at Christmas...she is 6 years old..a great fun age to enjoy fun things together.

Fri, 2012-11-30 17:17

Elizabeth Cammon says …

Satsumas will have to be my pick. I prefer the bolder and sweeter flavor.

Fri, 2012-11-30 17:42

Melissa Moyers says …

I love me some sweet citrus!! Clementines for the win!

Fri, 2012-11-30 17:55

Lindy says …

I love satsumas! They have such a great tangy flavor, and I love how easy they are to peel. Yummy!!

Fri, 2012-11-30 18:51

emily says …

Satsumas- never disappoint! clementines lack that vibrant flavor!

Fri, 2012-11-30 19:20

Brenda Boettcher Smith says …

I love me a clementine anytime all the time, but then again, I have not had the pleasure of meeting a satsuma, so I may be swayed, cannot wait to meet this feisty fruit!

Fri, 2012-11-30 20:04

Jocelyn Mo says …

I love clementines! They are so cute and easy and convenient to eat!

Fri, 2012-11-30 23:09

Wen says …

It may be weird looking, but satsumas taste as good, if not better than other citrus.

Sat, 2012-12-01 01:53

Teresa Fultz says …

Both/either!

Sat, 2012-12-01 04:46

alexa says …

I love to swaddle Satsumas and pretend they are my little citrus sumos, but I think my overall champion is still the Clementine.
He wields a sweet, tart flesh in a cute orange bundle. Easy to carry, the Clementine makes you the hit of every party when you whip them out of your pockets whenever the subject of winter citrus comes up. Everyone's impressed with your good taste and your commitment to the Boy Scout motto.

Sat, 2012-12-01 07:19

Loretta Garcia says …

The perfect bite size snack for children of any age! The fill the air with their inviting aroma and tantalize the taste buds with their sweet yummy flavor.

Sat, 2012-12-01 07:30

Colleen Pedrazzini says …

I don't believe I've had a Satusuma but it would be hard to beat my favorite "Clementine".....my Mom and Dad live in Auburn, California and I just had Mom send me 10 pounds of them for Thanksgiving. I put them in a big bowl and shared with friends and family coming and going. They were delicious and treasured! They even curemy honey's cold when he came down with one after the busy holiday. Will be trying Satsuma though because I want to try all of these great ideas with citrus so I'm hoping a trip to Whole Foods I can find some in New England! Go Clementine~! :)

Sat, 2012-12-01 08:05

Christina says …

This Florida girl votes Satsumas. Also, the zest makes a great addition to homemade bath products like sugar scrubs and foot soaks.

Sat, 2012-12-01 08:42

Penny R Colvin says …

We have only eaten clementines for the past ten years or so. We thought they were some foreign fruit that we wouldn't like. Well, that first box went very quickly and we've been hooked ever since. We have never had Satsumas, but that would be our choice if we're fortunate enough to win. It will be nice to have another citrus fruit to choose at this time of year.

Sat, 2012-12-01 09:27

Kate Lewis says …

I love Clementines and look forward to the first of the season. Typically I eat 2 / day and like to share with others - so easy to peel & eat. The boxes get recycled and serve as great planters for starting seed for spring flowers etc.

Sat, 2012-12-01 14:14

Marianna Mundhenk says …

Absolutely love clementines!!!! Have never had a Satsuma, but would love to try one!!

Sat, 2012-12-01 15:30

Kathleen Conner says …

I like the Satsuma “The Puma, because I love strong, bold flavors.

Sat, 2012-12-01 15:45

Amy says …

My daughter loves to take fruit to school with her for afternoon snack. These would be perfect for her to enjoy and healthy!

Sat, 2012-12-01 17:10

John Billiris says …

I clamor for Satsuma “The Puma”, because I've never tried those!! I like Clementines, but these sound interesting!

Sat, 2012-12-01 18:18

Patrick says …

Satsumas!!

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:03

Michelle Nemetz says …

Statusumas is the champ! No questions about that

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:04

Bev Y says …

Just had my first Satsuma last week and now I'm ADDICTED! So flavorful and juicy. A little bite of summer.

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:04

Tina Barker says …

Satsumas are my favorites for their tangy, zesty taste! I also love how easily they peel!
Thanks for the giveaway!

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:05

Tiffany says …

Clementines for the win! I love seeing my niece and husband devour them, matching each other one for one (she's only 6 and gives him a run for his money).

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:06

Jessica says …

Satsumas all the way. They're more floral and sweet. I always thought clementines were too acidic.

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:11

Sonya Morshauser says …

Satsuma. They are juicy, sweet and delicious. Love them

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:11

Joanne Cisneros-Baker says …

Although Satsumas are easier to peel, the Clementines have always been my favorites.

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:12

Lora Harney says …

Clementines sure rock the lunchbox.

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:20

Greg says …

Satsuma and Clementine - both are delicious. Fun article and customer engagement. Well done Whole Foods!

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:35

Kelly says …

Definitely satsumas over clementines for me. A bowlful of satsumas with their pretty green leaves are always in my kitchen when they are in season and I just love the way they taste.

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:43

Mary L says …

Oh, I live in Florida and have never had a Satsuma. I love that it only grows in the US. Will definitely have to try this and share with my toddler grandson!

Sat, 2012-12-01 19:44

Amy says …

Satsumas are lovely and tart. I look forward to them every year. They're wonderful as a snack but I especially love them in a spinach salad.

Sat, 2012-12-01 20:04

Mandy says …

I love clementines and have since I was a kid and would eat multiple at a time. They're perfect to throw in my bag for a snack at work, and still evoke childhood memories- plus they're delicious & surprisingly versatile.

Sat, 2012-12-01 20:06

Alan says …

I have never before tried a Satsuma. This is something that I will definitely need to try based on the explanation above---why I love Whole Foods--always learning.

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